Creating a safer organisational culture is vital in promoting the wellbeing of staff, volunteers and the people they support.  It is important that organisations create environments where everyone is confident their concerns are welcomed, listened to and addressed appropriately.
Organisations should encourage continuous learning and reflection and lead with positive actions and values to ensure people have the confidence to challenge and instigate change.

Today people are encouraged to reflect on the culture in their organisation. What is working well in terms of promoting the wellbeing of people within the organisation. Or, what could be improved? 

For more information you can visit the Ann Craft Trust website.

Making sure people are safe is everyone business and we should all look for signs that indicate someone may need help. We know that abuse can take on many different forms, the signs of which are often unseen, unheard or untold. Signs of abuse are not always obvious, if we only look out for physical injuries we miss a whole cohort of people who need help. Something we can all do is include safeguarding questions in all our routine enquiries.

Asking ‘How safe do you feel?’ can help encourage someone to open up and ask for help. This is with staff as line managers and colleagues as well as with our patients and service users.  We know that people are less likely to disclose abuse or neglect unless directly asked. Those who are not experiencing abuse, violence or neglect don’t mind being asked, but more importantly those who are, often want to be asked.

This is an approach that is used at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust and it has led to a dramatic increase in safeguarding concerns being identified. This is evidence that directly asking someone how safe they feel does encourage people to speak up.

Today as part of safeguarding adults awareness week you are encouraged to reflect on the culture in your organisation. What is working well in terms of promoting the wellbeing of people within the organisation. Or, what could be improved? Can you implement ‘how safe do you feel?’ into your routine enquiry.  

Encouraging open conversation in your own organisation can take many forms. You will want to consider both how you practically manage this, as well as how you will react and respond.

Conversation Starters

We know that beginning the conversation can feel daunting – so Ann Craft Trust have put together some conversation starters to help you learn about the culture in your organisation and listen to the experiences of your athletes, participants, staff members and volunteers.

You can download Talking About Culture Conversation Starters and get started today.

We recognise that some small businesses and organisation’s may be the eyes and ears in our local communities but in some cases may not always have access to training in respect of safeguarding. 

You are invited to join a short ‘lunch and learn’ session today via MS Teams 1-2pm. The session will explore;

• What is meant by the term safeguarding adults
• What is abuse or neglect
• How to recognise abuse or neglect
• How to report concerns

Click here to join the meeting

Listen to this Safeguarding Matters podcast  from the Ann Craft Trust to learn about how the Disclosure Barring Scheme (DBS) can support safer recruitment and help to create safer cultures when recruiting to sports, clubs and organisations.

Getting safeguarding right will ensure a wider participation in sport and physical activity and ensure safe access for everyone.

As part of Safeguarding Adults Week 2023, Active Cumbria have created a document  to support organisations to ‘get started’ in relation to safeguarding adults.  

Active Cumbria are looking for a passionate and talented individual to take on this exciting new role within Active Cumbria. The role will be part of the national network of Sport Welfare Officers, supporting National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and their local clubs to promote good practice and safe sport for children, young people and adults in Cumbria.

Find out more information and apply via our website Latest Jobs - Active Cumbria

If you are concerned that an adult may be at risk of abuse or neglect and cannot protect themselves.  You can report your concerns to Adult Social Care;

If you have concerns about an adult in Allerdale, Carlisle or Copeland contact Cumberland Council on 0300 373 373